Category: Information From First Choice

With running as a hobby you do not need much equipment and do not need to spend a lot of money, but it is important to get a good running shoe. To determine what type of shoe you need, you will need to know the characteristics of your running gait. For example, when I run, I slightly pronate so I need a shoe with medial support. Check with us at First Choice about what kind of running gait you have so that you can lace up and get on the road.

Simon Haussmann, PTA

Research on the cost-savings of physical therapy vs advanced imaging has been making news in professional circles, and now it’s making an even more public splash.

On March 27, The Washington Post published an article summarizing the findings of research that compared health costs for patients with uncomplicated low back pain (LBP) who were referred to physical therapy with patients referred for advanced imaging. As reported in PT in Motion News, the results showed that physical therapy typically resulted in dramatically lower subsequent costs than a first referral for imaging. The original research article was published in the journal Health Services Research (abstract only available for free).

The Post article characterized the reasons for the differences as being “more likely found in the heads of patients and doctors than in anyone’s back.” Post reporter Lenny Bernstein writes that patients with uncomplicated first-time LBP can “pressure” physicians for a referral, and physicians may comply—sometimes with a referral for advanced imaging, sometimes for a referral to physical therapy.

The lower health care costs associated with physical therapy have a connection with how patients respond to physical therapy’s more proactive, patient-focused approach, according to the Post.

In summarizing comments from Julie M. Fritz, PT, PhD, FAPTA, the study’s lead author, the Post describes physical therapy as an approach that “focuses on educating patients about what might be causing their back pain, assuring them that most problems subside in time, and engaging them in their therapy.”

The study theorizes that as opposed to physical therapy, a referral for imaging early on can lead to a different patient attitude, one that often results in more testing, more physician visits, and greater use of medication. After 1 year, the imaging-first approach can result in average costs over 3 times higher than a physical therapy-first approach, according to the study.

Fritz is quoted in the article saying that “We think this is an area where our profession has something to offer, especially when it’s timed correctly,” adding that advanced imaging can be appropriate thing to do, but “just not early in the course of care for most patients.”

Available at the APTA Learning Center: pre-recorded CE on manipulation for LBP presented by study author Julie M. Fritz, PT, PhD, FAPTA; also “Manual therapy management of the lumbopelvic spine” presented by Josh Cleland, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, and Shane Koppenhaver, PT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

Doctors of Physical Therapy are experts in improving mobility and motion, and pain-free movement is crucial to your quality of daily life, your ability to earn a living, your ability to pursue your favorite leisure activities, and so much more.

Improve Mobility & Motion

Movement can help you prevent obesity, which may be responsible for at least 18% of US adult deaths. Meanwhile, recent studies suggest that prolonged sitting can be unhealthy, and that walking just a little bit more each day can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Consistent movement is also vital to maintaining a healthy balance system, and that’s important because falls often lead to significant, costly injuries.
Doctors of Physical Therapy work with their patients and clients of all ages and abilities to expand, restore, and maintain motion.

Avoid Surgery and Prescription Drugs

Many people are referred to a Doctor of Physical Therapy in order to rehabilitate from a major medical trauma or surgery, but increasing research suggests that treatment by a physical therapist is often an equally effective – and cheaper – alternative to surgery and prescription drugs for numerous conditions ranging from back pain and degenerative disk disease to meniscal tears and knee osteoarthritis.
Although direct access laws vary by state and insurance plans differ, anyone in the United States can arrange a screening by a physical therapist without a physician’s referral. Florida is a direct access state which means you can walk right into a Physical Therapist office to get the treatment you deserve fast. Through individualized treatment plans designed by physical therapists, patients can sometimes achieve the same results without the expense and side effects of surgery and prescription medication.

Participate In Your Recovery

Doctors of Physical Therapy routinely work collaboratively with their patients. Treatment plans can be designed for the patient’s individual goals, challenges, and needs. Receiving treatment by a physical therapist is rarely a passive activity, and participating in your own recovery can be empowering. In many cases, patients develop an ongoing relationship with their physical therapist to maintain optimum health and movement abilities across the lifespan.
(The Above Excerpt Was Modified and Taken From Move Forward by APAT http://www.moveforwardpt.com/Benefits)
To your Health,Dr. Wade Rinehart, PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
First Choice Physical Therapy

In our wonderful State of Florida, you can choose where you receive Physical Therapy services and do not need a referral from your physician? The Florida State Physical Therapy Practice Act allows patients to be seen by the Physical Therapist of their choice without the need of an order from any physician. There are some exceptions that are mandated by certain insurance carriers requiring a referral from a Primary Care Physician. This makes Physical Therapy easily accessible, efficient and affordable.

In a recent study, “Physical therapy for acute low back pain: associations with subsequent healthcare costs”, it was concluded that “Adherence to the recommendation for active care was associated with better clinical outcomes and decreased subsequent use of prescription medication, MRI, and injections. Improving adherence to this recommendation may present an opportunity to improve the cost effectiveness of care for acute low back pain.” There are many other studies that show the effectiveness of Physical Therapy interventions, but not all therapy clinics are created equal or employ the qualified individuals needed to get the quality outcomes. Bottom line…be a consumer of your own health care.

Dr. Wade Rinehart, PT, DPT